Published AAO appeal decisions

Self-represented meteorologist claimed extraordinary ability based on awards, memberships in scientific societies, and high salary. AAO found awards insufficient, memberships required only publication records or standard credentials, and no comparative salary evidence provided. Appeal dismissed for failure to meet three criteria.

Self-represented artist claimed extraordinary ability based on festival awards and published material. AAO found awards lacked documentation of significance and international recognition; published material did not meet regulatory requirements. Appeal dismissed for failure to meet three criteria or demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top.

Self-represented postdoctoral researcher claimed extraordinary ability as scientist based on awards, memberships, published material, and teaching roles. AAO found awards insufficient, memberships not based on outstanding achievement, articles not primarily about petitioner, and teaching roles not at very top level. Appeal dismissed for failure to meet three criteria.

Self-represented fashion designer claimed extraordinary ability but no longer pursues that field. AAO found awards not in fashion design, memberships based on employment rather than outstanding achievement, judging role not nationally recognized, and published work in wrong venues. Appeal dismissed for failure to meet three criteria and lack of current field expertise.

A screenwriter and director from South Africa petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner met fewer than three criteria: awards were neither nationally nor internationally recognized, and association membership required only engagement not outstanding achievement, failing to demonstrate top-level sustained acclaim.

An inventor petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability in the sciences. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner did not meet the required criteria: awards were too old or undocumented, and association membership lacked outstanding achievement requirements, failing to demonstrate top-level sustained acclaim.

A pianist petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability in the arts. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed to meet three criteria: age-restricted competition prizes were not nationally recognized, association membership lacked outstanding achievement requirement, and published material did not meet regulatory standards, lacking top-level sustained acclaim.

An artist in the arts sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. He claimed awards and judging criteria through a fellowship for graduate study, project grants, young artist contests, and judging participation. The AAO found judging criterion met but awards not met; however, overall evidence did not demonstrate extraordinary ability at the very top level required for approval.

An airport operations professional sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. He claimed awards, membership, and published material criteria through employer awards, industry association membership, and aviation media publications. The AAO found all criteria unsatisfied due to insufficient evidence of national or international recognition and achievement at the very top level.

Bodybuilder and fitness trainer claimed extraordinary ability in athletics. AAO held petitioner failed to demonstrate receipt of major internationally recognized award and did not meet three regulatory criteria. Evidence did not support sustained acclaim at top level.

Makeup stylist in characterization claimed extraordinary ability in arts. AAO held petitioner failed to establish major internationally recognized award and did not meet three regulatory criteria. Evidence did not demonstrate sustained acclaim or position at top of field.

Sports aerobics competitor and instructor claimed extraordinary ability in athletics. AAO held petitioner demonstrated only minimal evidence of two criteria, with issues regarding prestige of competitions and membership. Evidence insufficient for sustained acclaim at top level.

A plant biology researcher seeks EB-1A classification. He claimed awards, membership in professional societies, a leading critical role, and scholarly articles. The AAO found he met the scholarly articles criterion but did not establish sustained national or international acclaim or rank in the small percentage at the top of his field.

An artist petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. She claimed awards and exhibitions criteria, submitting evidence of finalist selection and acceptance into a national juried art exhibition. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding neither criterion met and that the evidence does not establish sustained national or international acclaim required for this highly restrictive classification.

A karate competitor filed an EB-1A petition claiming extraordinary ability through awards, membership, media coverage, and judging criteria. The AAO found one criterion met but concluded the overall evidence does not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or placement in the small percentage at the very top of the field. Appeal dismissed.

An athlete in arts and athletics sought extraordinary ability classification. The AAO found no major internationally recognized awards and concluded youth/amateur competition awards do not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at the very top level required.

Filmmaker petitioner claimed extraordinary ability based on film awards and Emmy judging. AAO held neither criterion met: festival prizes lack major international recognition required, and Emmy judging is separate regulatory criterion not claimed initially. Evidence of one successful film insufficient for sustained top-level acclaim.

Soccer player petitioner claimed extraordinary ability based on youth and amateur tournament awards. AAO held awards from amateur and youth competitions do not demonstrate sustained acclaim at very top of professional field. Evidence insufficient to establish petitioner among small percentage at top.

Traditional Thai musician petitioner claimed extraordinary ability based on youth award and performances for officials. AAO held youth student award insufficient for nationally recognized prize; performances fall under display criterion. Evidence insufficient for sustained international acclaim at very top of field.

Self-petitioner in sciences claims extraordinary ability. Petitioner submitted evidence of honorary doctorate and association membership. AAO found honorary doctorate not nationally or internationally recognized and association membership not analyzed. Appeal dismissed; petitioner failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim.

Senior transportation and ITS analyst seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO affirmed denial, finding the petitioner did not meet three criteria and lacked sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field.

Professional shooter and trainer seeks EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding national shooting championship awards do not establish sustained international acclaim and achievements lack the evidence required for extraordinary ability status.

Scientist in optical engineering sought extraordinary ability classification. Failed to establish nationally recognized awards or original contributions of major significance. Did not meet three required criteria or demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top level of the field.

Medical researcher sought extraordinary ability as alien of extraordinary ability. Failed to establish receipt of nationally recognized awards or membership requiring outstanding achievement. Did not meet three required criteria or demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top level of the field.

Artist claimed extraordinary ability in the arts. Met one criterion (published material) but failed to meet at least three required criteria or demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of the field. AAO affirmed denial.